The Benefits Of Hunting

Hunting....Just mentioning the word is enough to set off an emotional rage for what seems to be more and more people all the time.  These people are unwilling to even consider that hunting may actually be beneficial in some ways.  They only think of poor, innocent animals being slaughtered for what seems to them to be no good reason.  These same people who will turn around and eat a juicy steak or some smoked ribs without thinking twice might be surprised to find out that hunters play a major role in all aspects of the conservation of the very animals they hunt.   

Hunters and have an environmental impact that reaches far beyond the simple killing of the animals which they pursue.  Without hunting wildlife populations would quickly become out of control resulting in disease and the deaths of many animals.  Much of the money from permits which hunters are required to purchase in order to participate in the sport is used in conservation efforts such as studying and controlling diseases in our wildlife populations.

Aside from the positive environmental aspects provided by hunting, there is also an immensely positive economic impact as well.  Every year hunters provide a huge boost to the economy through purchasing their guns, decoys, calls, clothing and other gear as well as spending money on gas, food, lodging, travel and other related expenses.  These purchases made throughout the U.S. are responsible for keeping a multitude of Americans employed.  There is also an immense tax benefit for both the state and federal government.  

Another less known benefit that hunters provide is that of helping to feed needy families.  Many states have programs which allow the meat from legally taken game animals to be donated for the purpose of helping those are in need of food.

The next time someone wants to get in your face about how terrible hunters are, I hope you will gently remind them that there is a good chance the money spent by hunters is the same money that in one way or another supports their livelihood.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

The Disadvantages of Stationary Stands on Public Hunting Lands

Spending most of my time hunting on public land I have found that there are ample opportunities for problems to arise if you choose to hunt from a stationary tree stand.  There is almost no aggravation like that of heading to the woods to find a stranger sitting in the tree stand you worked so hard to fasten to a tree in that perfect location in the woods (except maybe showing up to find the tree stand missing completely).

When hunting on public land you have to set your stand in a position suitable for the most common wind patterns for the area.  However, if the weather decides to go awry this may mean the best option you have is to skip hunting for a few days until it settles back into its normal patterns again.

A stationary stand will leave you helpless when your hunting area is invaded by other hunters who couldn't care less if you get your deer or not.

When a stand is left in the woods, it is sure to attract other hunters who may use it and overpressure the area you are planning to hunt while you're not around.

The reason for placing a stand as early as possible and leaving it up as long as possible is so that the wildlife will adapt to its presence in their home.  If the need arises to move your stand, the commotion involved in taking it down and placing it in another tree is sure to get the attention of the animals in that area making it necessary to stay out of there for a while in order to allow nature enough time to settle down.

Even with these issues many hunters will choose a stationary stand.  If you choose to go this route remember to do a lot of scouting well off the beaten path in order to find that perfect spot and lessen the likelihood that other hunters will interfere with your hunting experience.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day